India raises concerns with NZ over disruption of Nagar Kirtan

The Indian government has flagged with its New Zealand counterpart the disruption of Sikh Nagar Kirtans in Tauranga and Manurewa, with the Ministry of External Affairs informing Parliament on 6 February that the matter relates to concerns over the Indian diaspora’s security and wellbeing.

Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, in a written reply, confirmed that the matter had been raised diplomatically and said the High Commission of India in Wellington remains in close contact with local community leaders, including members of the Sikh community.

“Yes, it has come to our notice that a Nagar Kirtan organised by ‘Gurdwara Sikh Sangat’ located on Burrows St Tauranga, New Zealand, was allegedly disrupted by a group named ‘The True Patriots of New Zealand’,” Margherita said. He added that the group is known for its strong social conservatism and is said to be linked to Destiny Church, a New Zealand Christian group, describing itself as “Guardians of the Kiwi Way of Life; Defenders of Faith, Flag & Family”.

The clarification came in response to a question on whether the government was aware of an incident in Tauranga, where a Nagar Kirtan organised to mark Parkash Purab of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji was confronted by a local group. The Indian Weekender reported in January that the procession had received prior approval from the City Council, and prior permissions and information had been provided to local law enforcement authorities.

The New Zealand Police were present at the site, and the procession continued “without any confrontation with the protesters”, Margherita said.

Parliament was also informed that this was not an isolated incident. It noted the first incident that came to light, reported by The Indian Weekender on 20 December, 2025, where a Nagar Kirtan organised by the Sikh community in Auckland was disrupted. The Kirtan started from the Nanaksar Sikh Temple, in Manurewa, located on Great South Road, included hundreds of participants walking about five kilometres.

“Yes, on December 20, 2025, a Nagar Kirtan, organised by the Sikh community from Nanaksar Gurudwara, in Manurewa, Auckland, was also confronted by the same group named ‘The True Patriots of New Zealand’,” the minister said. He noted that the group, comprising around 50 people, performed a haka as a form of protest.

“However, after the intervention of the New Zealand Police, the protesters were escorted out of the area, and the Nagar Kirtan was allowed to continue safely,” he added.

Addressing concerns raised by Sikh organisations and political leaders that such incidents “pose a threat to religious freedom and the security of the Indian diaspora”, Margherita said New Delhi had formally raised the matter with Wellington.

“Yes, the government of India has taken up this issue with the government of New Zealand,” he said, reiterating that the Indian High Commission maintains regular engagement with local community leaders. He further noted that “following both incidents, the New Zealand Police has held meetings with the Nagar Kirtan organisers, local Sikh community leaders and High Commission of India assuring them of full cooperation.”